Bill Gates, Microsoft

Although Microsoft has grown to almost unimaginable heights, the past few years have presented new challenges; the company's stock is down 22% this year, and it's attempt to buy Yahoo Inc. failed.

Although Microsoft has grown to almost unimaginable heights, the past few years have presented new challenges; the company's stock is down 22% this year, and it's attempt to buy Yahoo Inc. failed. (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

Although Microsoft has grown to almost unimaginable heights, the past few years have presented new challenges; the company's stock is down 22% this year, and it's attempt to buy Yahoo Inc. failed.